United have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, with the expectation at least two or three new players would be added.
The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson. However, plans for the 26-year-old to have his medical before the start of pre-season training on 9 July had to be scrapped when Ederson earned a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.
Now the intention is for Ederson to have his medical once Brazil’s campaign is over and then return to Carrington after the mandatory three-week rest period.
United had been keen on Elliot Anderson but backed out of discussions when the immense cost, both transfer fee and wages, they would have to pay to get him out of Nottingham Forest became clear.
Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to lead to an agreement over a fee, with Tottenham also keen on the former Southampton man.
Manchester United also rate Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, who was one of four players who travelled with England for their pre-World Cup training camp despite missing out on selection in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, and they had a bid turned down last summer by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.
It remains to be seen if a lengthy injury to Ugarte would affect the finance United have available to buy players.